Figure-8 Lifting Straps 2026: The Deadlift-Only Strap Explained
Figure-8 straps loop around your wrist and under the bar in one motion — no wrapping, no setup, locked in instantly. They are the fastest strap in lifting and the deadlift specialist. Here is how they work and which ones are worth buying.
📋 Key Takeaways
- →Strap Types Compared
- →Why Deadlifters Choose Figure-8s
- →Best Figure-8 Straps 2026
- →How to Use Them (10 Seconds)
- →The Strap That Cannot Slip
📑 Table of Contents
Strap Types Compared
| Type | Setup Speed | Security | Best Lift | Release | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Figure-8 | Instant | Highest — cannot unroll | Deadlift, shrugs | Fixed until rep ends | $15-30 |
| Lasso (standard) | Slow — wrap each rep set | High | Everything | Unwrap | $10-25 |
| Olympic/speed | Fast | Moderate — quick release | Olympic lifts | Quick — Olympics legal | $15-30 |
| Versa-style hooks | Fast | Moderate | Rows, pull-downs | Quick | $30-60 |
Why Deadlifters Choose Figure-8s
A figure-8 strap physically cannot unroll mid-rep — the bar is trapped in the loop until you open your hand at lockout. For max deadlifts, strongman pulls, and high-rep shrugs, that absolute security is the point. The tradeoff: no quick release. If a lift goes wrong, you are attached to the bar until you set it down — which is why they are deadlift-only tools.
Best Figure-8 Straps 2026
- •SBD Figure 8 (~$35) — IPF-approved, the competition standard, bombproof stitching
- •Rogue Figure 8 (~$25) — thick cotton, holds up for years
- •Iron Bull Figure 8 (~$20) — best budget pick, padded wrist
- •Gymreapers Figure 8 (~$20) — solid mid-tier with reinforced seams
- •Generic cotton figure-8s (~$12) — work fine for training, not competition
How to Use Them (10 Seconds)
- •Slide wrist through one loop — strap hangs below wrist
- •Swing the free loop under the bar
- •Slide the free loop back onto the same wrist — bar is now trapped between loops
- •Grip normally over the strap — squeeze and pull
- •At lockout, open hand and let the bar fall free of the loop
The Strap That Cannot Slip
If your deadlift fails on grip, figure-8s remove the variable. Locked in, no rolling, no setup time.
Shop Figure-8 StrapsGrip Is No Longer Your Deadlift Weakness
Figure-8 straps lock you to the bar in one motion — no wrapping, no slipping, just pulling.
Shop Figure-8 StrapsRelated Guides
BarbellNearMe Editorial Team
Reviewed by certified strength coaches · How we test
Our editorial team includes competitive powerlifters, Olympic weightlifters, and CrossFit athletes with 10+ years of experience. Every guide is fact-checked against manufacturer specs, peer-reviewed research, and hands-on testing. We do not accept paid placements — recommendations are based solely on performance, value, and durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are figure-8 lifting straps?
Straps shaped like a figure 8 — one loop on your wrist, the other wraps under the bar and back to your wrist. The bar is mechanically trapped in the loop. They cannot unroll, making them the most secure strap design for deadlifts.
Are figure-8 straps allowed in powerlifting?
No straps are allowed in sanctioned powerlifting meets — all lifts are raw grip. Figure-8s are for training volume, strongman (where straps are often allowed in deadlift events), and gym work where grip limits the target muscle.
Figure-8 vs lasso straps — which is better?
Figure-8 for deadlifts and shrugs — instant setup, zero unroll risk. Lasso for everything else — rows, cleans, snatches — because you need a quick release for Olympic lifts and versatility. Serious lifters own both.
Can figure-8 straps hurt your wrist?
They can if the bar drifts away from your body — the loop torques the wrist. Keep the bar close to your shins/thighs and pull straight. Padded figure-8s reduce pressure. Do not use them on lifts where a failed rep means the bar goes sideways.
How much weight can figure-8 straps hold?
Quality cotton or nylon figure-8s handle 700-1,000+ lbs — strongman deadlifters pull 800+ in them. The strap is never the weak link; stitching quality on cheap brands is. Buy reinforced stitching.